Crabtree staying ahead of game

Michael Crabtree (15) of the 49ers celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Dec. 14, 2009. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-9. (Gary Reyes/Mercury News)

Michael Crabtree reached into his red backpack Tuesday and fished out his 49ers playbook. He was offering proof that he takes it everywhere he goes.

Everywhere?

"I even got my playbook in the bed," Crabtree said.

The opportunity to study up comes in contrast to a year ago, when the receiver was mostly winging it. Crabtree signed Oct. 7 because of a contract impasse that kept him out of 57 practices, four preseason contests and five regular season games.

Yet here he was this week, running routes just a few days after winter thawed into spring. Crabtree was a popular pass target during the 49ers' two days of organized team activities at the team's Santa Clara headquarters.

Instead of playing catch up, he could simply play catch.

"(I'm) learning the basics," Crabtree said. "When I first came here, it was all about cramming a lot into a little amount of time. Right now, we have the time and I'm just taking it step by step."

Crabtree did just fine with his rush job in 2009, topping NFL rookies with 56.8 receiving yards per game. He had 625 receiving yards, a total topped by only three rookies in 49ers history: Jerry Rice (927 in 1985), Gene Washington (711 in '69) and Dave Parks (703 in '64).

The 49ers are curious to see what he can do once he knows what he's doing.

Crabtree has made a quick impression on new backup quarterback David Carr, who hit the receiver on an out-route Tuesday.

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"Crab kind of reminds me of the guy I played with in Carolina, Steve Smith," Carr said, referring to the four-time Pro Bowl receiver. "He's kind of got that body frame (and ability) to really control what he's doing with this body. . . . You never feel like he's out of control when he's running, He knows exactly what he wants to do with his body."

Crabtree said the next step in his evolution comes this summer when he plans on working out one-on-one with quarterback Alex Smith to establish a rapport.

"We still have a long ways to go. This off-season we're going to put the icing on the cake," he said. "The more we work together, the better we get."

Offensive lineman Alex Boone, who spent last season on the practice squad, arrived at the OTAs with a slimmed-down physique. Flabby as an undrafted free agent from Ohio State a year ago, Boone said he worked his body fat down to 19 percent from 25 percent or more.

He said he works out six days a week with a new emphasis on cardio work. Boone also traded in his McDonald's fast-food orders for grilled chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

"The hardest part?" he said. "The fact that I'm a fat guy and love bad food."

The 49ers are expected to draft a right tackle, but Boone said he hopes his improved conditioning helps him compete for playing time.

As the draft approaches, veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes suggested a player the 49ers should take a look at. "I like C.J. Spiller of Clemson,'' he said. Spiller would give the 49ers a running threat to complement Frank Gore and also add a dangerous return man. "You get 2 for 1 with him,'' Spikes said.

For a later-round pick, Spikes suggested his distant cousin, Florida inside linebacker Brandon Spikes. Takeo said he envisions Brandon going as high as the second round or as low as the fourth. Whatever the round, he said the 49ers might be the one to call his name. "To be honest, I can see it happening," Spikes said.

The 49ers signed free agent kicker Shane Andrus to a one-year deal. Andrus signed with the 49ers just before their season finale against the St. Louis Rams last season.